The Chicago Bulls‘ 2024-25 season didn’t go according to plan, as the franchise missed out on a spot in the playoffs for the third year in a row. The Bulls finished ninth in the East with a 39-43 record and lost in the play-in tournament to the Miami Heat.
Despite the campaign ending in disappointment, there were a few bright spots for the Bulls. One of them was Josh Giddey, who impressed in his debut campaign with the franchise after arriving via trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 offseason.
Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game for the Bulls in 2024-25, but really came into his own in the second half of the campaign.
Giddey put up 21.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game after the All-Star break. The 22-year-old was also very efficient, shooting 50.0% from the field and 45.7% from beyond the arc.
This was easily the best stretch of play in Giddey’s professional career, and the timing couldn’t have been much better. The Australian is a restricted free agent this summer, and HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports he is hoping for a big payday.
“The belief around the league is Bulls restricted free agent guard Josh Giddey hopes to command a similar five-year, $150 million deal to Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs and earn roughly $30 million annually or more.”
The Orlando Magic gave Jalen Suggs a five-year, $150.5 million deal in 2024 after he made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the 2023-24 season. Giddey hasn’t made an All-NBA or All-Defensive team just yet, but hopes his strong play nets him a similar deal.
